Sierra Nevada Kellerweis

Possibly the best way to end a long, hot day is by enjoying a classic hefeweizen.

The brewery best known for its prowess in making the most sought-after pale ale brings us Kellerweis, its take on the Bavarian Hefeweizen style. It's one of the few American-brewed Hefeweizens made using the traditional Bavarian style of open fermentation, a difficult and labor-intensive technique that adds depth and flavor complexity. It uses a Bavarian Hefeweizen yeast strain that imparts a subtle banana and clove complexity along with a bit of lemon tartness and fresh wheat bread flavors. It pours with a huge frothy head and a hazy yellow-orange color, and the smooth malt flavor results in a satisfying refresher. Although many bartenders seem compelled to add lemon to this style, try it without first to appreciate the true taste the brewers intended.